Every year during the last full week of October is Fantasy Fest in Key West. This year the theme is “Gnomes, Toads and White Rabbit Tea Parties”.
If you aren’t familiar with Fantasy Fest, well think of it like Mardi Gras tropical style. This is a week long event that includes daily activities, shows, costume contests, food festivals, somewhat strange competitions, street fairs and the party goes long into the night every night. This isn’t a Disney event, its a party for the “big kids”
The festival came about when one of the locals noticed how little was going on here in the Keys in the fall, and yet the whether was beautiful, so as rumor has it the first festival began with two or three floats and a party to get everyone out of their doldrums and celebrate living in this wonderful place I call home.. wow has it ever changed.
It is estimated that some 85,000 people will come to Key West to make our usual population of 25,000 on a 2 mile by 4 mile island seem as though it will sink into the azure Atlantic Ocean that surrounds it.
The festival culminates on Saturday night with a parade that goes down one side of town and then up the other. The float entries are unlike anything you have seen elsewhere.. mothers, you may want to shield your children’s eyes - better yet, you may want to reconsider bringing the little ones.
If you are thinking about coming for next year’s fun you will want to start booking your trip now.. hotel rooms and guest houses sell out up to a year in advance and many do have minimum stay requirements.
To really save on costs I would encourage you to bring several good friends and rent a small home (there are many during this time just for this reason). You wont need to rent a car to travel the island. There are many alternatives including scooters, “egg cars” (fancy golf carts), bicycles, taxi services, trolley, public transportation and there is always walking - hey the whether is beautiful, why not get some exercise? Besides the traffic is horrible - you will envy your city commute if you try to drive during this week.
I hope you are able to experience this event at least once. Leave your stress at home and come play with us!
If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to our newsletter for updates on whats going on in the Florida Keys. Thanks for visiting!
